A FIGURE from Bournemouth’s Victorian history helped launch this year’s tourism awards.

A volunteer played the role of Sir Merton Russell-Cotes, pictured below, at the museum he had built for his wife as he welcomed business leaders and dignitaries for the opening of this year’s competition.

The tourism awards is in its eighth year and will celebrate the achievements of those within the industry at an awards bash at the O2 Academy in Boscombe later this year.

The event was opened at the Russell-Cotes Museum with nominations now invited for 11 categories.

And the Daily Echo-backed People’s Choice award will give people the chance to vote for their favourite establishment or attraction.

James Eels, chairman of Bournemouth Tourism’s Management Board, welcomed the mayor, councillor Rod Cooper and the other visitors to the Victorian seaside inspired evening to “celebrate the very best of Bournemouth tourism”.

Mark Smith, director of tourism at Bournemouth council, thanked businesses for their “hard work and dedication to continually enhance the town’s tourism offering and keep Bournemouth as market leader”.

He said: “The awards is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate everything that’s good about Bournemouth.

“What I like best is the way it brings together people who are all part of this big exercise.”

Other visitors to the launch included Tobias Ellwood, Bournemouth East MP, and Mandy Payne, president of Bournemouth’s Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

Mr Ellwood said: “Many would say this is the best resort in the country and the awards not only encourage and bring the best out of everybody but ensure we retain that standard.”

“We are competing not just with Blackpool and Brighton but now also with Nice, Barcelona and places like that.”